ENG 120 – COMPARISON ESSAY
Due Dates: Length:
Pre-Write/Thesis Statement9/223-4 pages, MLA format
Rough Draft9/27
Final Draft9/29
Essay Prompt:
Compare and/or contrast the theories on writing and language for twoof the following authors: Amy Tan, Toni Morrison, George Orwell, and Ralph Ellison.
The purpose of this essay is to demonstrate your understanding of the authors’ point of view. You will provide information on their theories of writing and language, showing how they are similar and/or dissimilar.
The thesis statement identifies the authors and tells whether you will discuss similarities, differences, or both. The support is a series of important, parallel points of similarity or differences between the two authors. The organization will be either point-by-point or whole-by-whole.
Pre-Write/ Thesis Statement – Due 9/22
The pre-write should be a visual map, a list, or a free-write of the various points the authors are making on writing and language. Consider the following questions for each author: What is the writer’s role in society and/or academia? What should not be the writer’s role? Why does one write? How can the writer affect the individual, group, culture, society, etc? What kind of power does language have? Where can you find corrupt language? What are the dangers of corrupt language? How can you guard against corrupt language?
Please see above for information on the thesis statement. Be prepared to work on your outline in class on September 22.
Save a copy of the pre-write and thesis statement to reference while you work on your essay. If you do not turn in the pre-write and thesis statement, your final grade on the paper will be docked 5%.
Rough Draft / Peer Review – Due 9/27
The complete typeddraft must have a working thesis, substantial developmental paragraphs, and a basic introduction and conclusion. If you do not have a complete typed draft of your essay for the peer review, your final grade on the paper will be docked 5%. Print two copies for the peer review in class. Turn in both rough drafts with your final draft.
Final Draft – Due 9/29
Submit your final draft to turnitin.com before the final due date. Failure to submit will result in a 5% deduction.